Detective questioned on Dundon witness

A detective has denied knowing the main witness against Wayne Dundon in the Roy Collins murder trial had previously implicated Dundon in a murder he could not have committed.

Det Garda John Farmer was being cross-examined yesterday at the Special Criminal Court.

Dundon aged 36, of Lenihan Ave, Prospect, and Nathan Killeen, aged 24, of Hyde Rd, Prospect, have both pleaded not guilty to the murder of Roy Collins, aged 35, in April 9, 2009.

The main prosecution witness against Dundon is 31-year-old Gareth Collins, who testified that Dundon made a call from his cell offering him €20,000 to take part in the murder.

Det Gda Farmer testified he had taken the witness statement from Collins in 2011, when he was in jail.

Under cross-examination by Remy Farrell, defending, he agreed Collins told him he had been asked to take part in the murder of Brian Fitzgerald in 2002. However, he said he made himself unavailable on the night.

“Where was Wayne Dundon on November 29, 2002?” asked Mr Farrell.

“I’ve no idea,” replied the detective. Mr Farrell told him Dundon was in prison.

“Are you aware that Gareth Collins appears to have implicated Wayne Dundon in a murder he couldn’t have committed?” he was asked. “I didn’t know Wayne Dundon was in custody at that time,” he replied. The trial continues.